HE the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani affirmed that bilateral relations between Qatar and Spain are distinguished, adding that the two countries are looking forward to strengthen and develop these relations in the future in various fields. 
Speaking at a joint press conference held yesterday with Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Co-operation of Spain Arancha Gonzalez Laya, HE Sheikh Mohamed pointed out that the current visit of the Spanish minister to Doha comes in the framework of the excellent relations between the two countries, affirming that they are strong and historic ties.
He added that the meetings and talks held between the Spanish minister, His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and officials in the country dealt with bilateral relations in the economic side and in terms of co-operation in the developmental fields as well as the different regional issues of joint interest.
Regarding the Qatari-Spanish relations in the investment field, the FM pointed out that Qatar has investments in Spain, explaining that Qatar seeks to increase its contributions and investments in Spain, and the latter, in turn, is looking to increase its investments in Qatar, expressing, in this context, his thanks to Spain for its support and contribution to the World Cup 2022 projects in Qatar.
HE Sheikh Mohamed expressed Qatar’s aspiration to strengthen its co-operation with Spain in the future, adding that the two sides exchanged views on various regional issues. 
He hailed Spain’s role in various regional issues, especially the Palestinian issue, and Spain’s firm stance on the two-state solution, adding that the two sides discussed various issues, related to developments in the GCC, the Iranian nuclear agreement and other areas such as Afghanistan, Libya, and Lebanon.
The FM praised the agreements signed yesterday in the cultural and sports fields, adding that he looked forward to continue consultations and co-operation between Qatar and Spain and that these visits will lead to fruitful results for both countries. He affirmed Qatar’s confidence in the durability of the Spanish economy, pointing out that the economic partnerships between the two countries which Qatar is seeking to develop after the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
Stressing that the two sides are working to exploit the investment opportunities available, the FM praised the Spanish companies operating in Qatar, affirming that this partnership is welcomed and appreciated by Qatar. 
Responding to a question on the two phone calls HE Sheikh Mohamed received from US Special Representative
for Iran and the US National Security Advisor and the role Qatar can play in the region given its ties with Tehran and whether lines of communication were open between the two sides, the FM said that the communication, whether with the American side or the Iranian side were ongoing. He added that this was normal given Iran is a neighbour of Qatar and anything that would happen in the region would directly impact Qatar. He added that the US for its part is a strategic ally of Qatar, noting that it was important to avoid escalations in the region. The FM said that the two calls were regarding consultations on Iran and other issues, stressing that Qatar is working on de-escalation through a political and diplomatic process to return to the nuclear agreement. He added that these efforts were part of a wider international one carried by all countries and not just Qatar. The FM stressed that Qatar was more than ready to contribute to regaining stability in the region if any of the involved parties request so, noting that Qatar is continuing its effort in that regard given its importance to the country. 
For her part, the Spanish foreign minister said that her visit to Qatar was the first since she assumed her position, praising the distinguished bilateral ties, and noted that the two sides want to build on it to overcome the Covid-19 pandemic. She expressed her hope that this year will be the end of the pandemic so that life can go back to normal as soon as possible, noting that this was one of the topics she discussed in Doha.  
She added that the end of the pandemic will see economic ties between the two countries return to normal, given the special partnerships the two countries have in those fields. She noted that there are a number of Spanish companies operating in Qatar and contributing in infrastructure projects, water treatment, digitalisation, and education.
The visiting Spanish minister expressed her appreciation of Qatari investments in Spain, noting the depth of economic ties, and adding that the two countries look forward to seizing opportunities to enhance ties further in the future. She also added that the two sides look forward to incentivising trade and economic partnerships between them. 
She touched on an agreement signed between the two sides in the culture and sports field to enhance that type of activity between the two countries. She said that Spain wants to be a main part of World Cup 2022 in Qatar, adding that Spain has high expectations for its participation in the global sporting event. She also noted that one of the stadiums was designed by a Spanish architect.
The Spanish minister discussed the regional issues she discussed during her visit to Qatar, stressing that Spain is ready to play a part in helping regain stability in the region. On how the signed agreements can enhance ties between Qatar and Spain, she noted that the opportunity for enhancing bilateral co-operation was promising, stressing that there will be areas that will play a prominent role in creating a bright future for both countries. The Spanish minister noted that the agreements signed will boost bilateral partnerships, particularly after the coronavirus pandemic. She said that the two sides signed an agreement to expand cultural partnerships and promote Qatari history and culture, stressing that Spain supports Qatar’s efforts in hosting the World Cup 2022.